Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Washburn.

No. 75.]

Department of State, Washington, January 14, 1868.

Sir: Your dispatch No. 92, of October 14, was received on the 24th ultimo.

The account you give of the state of political affairs in the country of your residence is far from encouraging.

Your determination to remain at your post of duty as long as you can be of any service to our countrymen is highly commended.

Your intention to afford an asylum in the legation to those who may resort to it, save notorious criminals, as far as it can be done without compromising your neutral character or that of your country, is approved.

The Secretary of the Navy has been informed that it is necessary to have a vessel ready to relieve you from your embarrassing situation. His reply I enclose for your information.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Charles A. Washburn, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.

Navy Department, Washington, D. C., January 8, 1868.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, in respect to the aspect of affairs in the Rio de la Plata, and the necessity of having a vessel of the navy ready to relieve Mr. Washburn, minister resident to Paraguay, from his embarrassing and probably dangerous position.

A copy of your communication has been transmitted to Rear-Admiral Charles H Davis, commanding the South Atlantic squadron.

Very respectfully,

G.WELLES, Secretary of the Navy.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.